MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today announced $512,700 in grants to help businesses in five Montana communities, supporting the creation of 74 new jobs for hard-working Montanans and help Main Street Montana businesses plan for future growth.

“From making whiskey to programming better maps for hunting, I’m pleased we can help these homegrown businesses create even more jobs,” said Governor Bullock. “Our economy is diverse, and these public-private partnerships make a difference.”

The funds are being awarded through the Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) program.

Full List of Grant Recipients:

Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) – Job Creation Grants

The BSTF program provides state funds to promote long-term stable economic growth in Montana. More information can be found at www.bstf.mt.gov.

Butte-Silver Bow County received $60,000 of BSTF job creation funds to assist Headframe Spirits, Inc. to expand, which will allow the company to create eight new jobs in Butte. The BSTF funds will be used for purchase of equipment, construction materials and wage reimbursement. Headframe Spirits, Inc. is a micro distillery offering vodka, gin, whisky and bourbon products. Headframe Manufacturing engineers and constructs continuous flow distillation equipment.

Lake County received $170,200 of BSTF job creation funds to assist Jore Corporation dba Rocky Mountain Twist to expand, which will allow the company to create 23 new jobs in Ronan. The BSTF funds will be used for purchase of equipment, facility improvements and wage reimbursement. Jore Corporation is the leading U.S. manufacturer and provider of innovative, high-quality power tool accessories to the retail market and engineered drilling solutions to the industrial market.

Missoula County received $187,500 of BSTF job creation funds to assist Montana Mapping and GPS, LLC dba OnXmaps to expand, which will allow the company to create 25 new jobs in Missoula. The BSTF funds will be used for purchase of equipment, furniture, software, lease rate reduction and reimbursement of wages. Montana Mapping and GPS is a GIS/GPS software company showing precise public and private land boundaries and ownership.

City of Bozeman received $80,000 of BSTF job creation funds to also assist Montana Mapping and GPS, LLC dba OnXmaps to expand, which will allow the company to create 16 new jobs in Bozeman. The BSTF funds will be used for purchase of equipment, furniture, software and reimbursement of wages.

Town of Drummond received $15,000 of BSTF job creation funds to assist Better Than Logs to expand, which will allow the company to create two new jobs in Drummond. The BSTF funds will be used for purchase of equipment, land and construction materials. Better Than Logs manufactures its own proprietary engineered concrete siding products.

More funding opportunities are still available. The deadline for submitting an application for consideration at the next Grant/Loan Review Committee meeting is March 1. For more information, contact Section Manager Annmarie Robinson by phone at 406.841.2250 or by visiting www.bstf.mt.gov.

The Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development markets Montana’s spectacular unspoiled nature, vibrant and charming small towns, breathtaking experiences, relaxing hospitality, and competitive business climate to promote the state as a place to visit and do business.